Blogs become an important source of specialized legal information
It is not likely that there is a lawyer on this planet that has not heard about the value of "blogging" as a marketing tool.
Likewise, they have been told, or have read in a trade journal, that having a blog – or "blawg" as the legal industry likes to call them, is a great way to get their name our and attract potential clients.
What is not fully understood is the simple fact that blogs have also become an important source of specialized legal information. Not only should the savvy and up-to-the-minute attorney understand good detailed legal research (Lexis-Nexus, Sheppardizing, etc.) but understand good use of the blogosphere – particularly when one is in need of fresh ideas on how to help an important local client with a son who just got a DUI in another state.
What could be easier than writing a few words and then having hundreds of visitors every day read those words and be impressed?
Well, finding the time to write "…a few words…" is just not as easy as it sounds. First there is the matter of court, then talking with clients, opposing counsel, insurance representatives, and all that Lexis-Nexus stuff. When or where is the lawyer going to find time to write "…a few words?"
Wait a minute, isn’t this the era of "outsourcing?" But how does an attorney outsource the research and draft writing of an article on something as legally confusing as "Contact Lens Litigation?"
Ask anyone, research and draft writing takes time, especially if it is done correctly, but it is not anymore essential to have a J.D. degree to research and draft write an article on "Contact Lens Litigation" than it is necessary for someone to have an M.D. degree to research and draft write an article on "Problems within the Contact Lens field."
In the beginning, a blog was simply a place where individuals just mussed about life in general or how the O.J. Simpson trial affected their legal practice. Today, however, the blogosphere is a place where more and more lawyers are commenting on developments in the law. Frankly, a lot of them do a good job of keeping other lawyers and the public informed while providing editorial comments at the same time.
Every lawyer and law student understands ‘pocket parts’ and ‘advance sheets,’ yet only a few really savvy lawyers understand that waiting 2 to 4 weeks for ‘pocket parts’ and ‘advance sheets’ is foolish when the same information can be found quickly and easily on a legal blog.
While most truly successful blogs have been operated by law professors; individual blogs by attorneys are starting to give the professors a run for their money.
As any lawyer knows, what one learned in academia can be significantly different when applied to the practical world.
While this post was reviewed and approved by Attorney Edward A. ("Ted") Bills who can be reached at 719.444.1000 or at http://www.SpringsAttorney.com, the initial research and draft writing was, in fact, outsourced to Dr. Jerry Bills, the Editing Professional.
About The Author:
Attorney Edward A. ("Ted") Bills can be reached at 719.444.1000 or at http://www.SpringsAttorney.com.
Attorney Ted Bills has one mission – to fight for the rights of personal injury victims and those who have been devastated by the misconduct of others – he represents clients with an aggressive approach designed to provide SWIFT justice.
Attorney Bills is a member of the American Bar Association, the Colorado Bar Association, the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, and the
Nothing on this site constitutes an attorney-client relationship nor does it constitute legal advice.
